Jaden Philogene to start despite red card – Aston Villa predicted XI v Bologna
Unai Emery is expected to make two changes to his Aston Villa side as they host Bologna in the Champions League on 22 October.
Having returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a 3-1 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage on 19 October, Emery’s side will be keen to continue on the continent.
The only black mark against Villa’s victory was the stoppage-time sending off of Jaden Philogene, but the Spaniard could now elevate the substitute, and free-scoring striker Jhon Duran, into his starting XI.
Jacob Ramsey performed admirably against Fulham on his return from injury, having five touches in the box and setting up Morgan Rogers’ equaliser [FotMob], but Emery may be keen to manage his minutes.
Leon Bailey was much less impressive at Craven Cottage and could join Ramsey on the bench with Emery likely to ensure Philogene still gets minutes under his belt during his domestic suspension.
Villa’s rearguard is set to remain unchanged, particularly between the sticks, with one of Emi Martinez’s three saves against Fulham being to deny Andreas Pereira from the penalty spot early on.
The backline of Matty Cash, Diego Carlos, Pau Torres and Lucas Digne were nervy at times, but soon recovered, with Digne completing 87 per cent of his passes and seven defensive actions.
Jhon Duran to form dream Aston Villa partnership
Further forward, there is no looking past Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans in the centre of midfield. Tielemans in particular was unplayable against Fulham, creating four chances from 13 final-third passes.
Philogene’s two yellow cards in quick succession came after winning just 25 per cent of his four duels, but after excelling on his Champions League debut against Bayern Munich, Emery could keep his faith.
Speaking of that historic victory over Bayern, man of the moment Jhon Duran could and should finally be given a start alongside an in-form Ollie Watkins in Villa’s attack, striking fear into the Bologna defence.
Duran partnering Watkins, who scored the Villans’ second at Craven Cottage and managed 100 per cent shot accuracy, will see Rogers – who equalised – move out to the left flank. That won’t bother the 22-year-old, who was unplayable on 19 October with three shots and final-third passes apiece.
In other Aston Villa news, one rising Lions star has been excluded by the club as a showdown over his contract continues.
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